Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Diancie smiled without saying a word, simply sweeping away the grass that had gotten on Magiana, who had been taking care of the little beasts, and watching the moon set and the sun rise, and the day turn into night, together with her.

Regardless of age or timing, even Mukyu Tana closed her eyelids and, unusually, drifted into a peaceful sleep, awaiting the awakening of the two.

The morning dew drips along the veins of the leaves, falling from the tips, a welcome rain after a long drought, and a reminder of the nourishment it once provided.

Chapter 277 Going Home

"Next stop, Miare City, the Shybud Hotel."

The subway announcements blared again, an endless cycle between two points.

"finally......"

It was a murmured monologue.

Lying on her lover's lap, Nan Yin's eyes inevitably showed some weariness.

Reaching space was no easy feat, and while she may have appeared calm and composed on the eve of battle, the mental and physical exertion was still unavoidable.

"Thanks for your hard work."

The gentle sunlight streamed through the car window, casting a warm glow. In this warm light, Korni gently combed the girl's disheveled hair, again and again.

This was a rare scene, as if the roles of the two had been reversed. However, after last night, they no longer cared about being the host and the guest, and even became fond of this difference in roles.

"Actually, it wasn't hard work. At least, I received a lot of compensation."

As she examined the solid-colored crystals in her fanny pack, Nan Yin slightly raised her eyebrows.

My thoughts drifted back to the farewell before parting, when Daigo and Michael went to the airport together, along with Ruby and a reluctant Higanbana.

"Nanyin, Korni." Leaning down, the usually elegant Hoenn champion spoke with utmost sincerity and earnestness, "You two deserve immense credit for successfully averting this potential crisis. Please allow me to express my sincerest gratitude once again."

"It's my duty, Mr. Daigo, you don't need to be so polite."

Upon hearing this, the young man didn't say any more polite words, but instead smoothly took out a delicate little box from the inside pocket of his coat.

"As I said that day, this is just a small token of my gratitude." Daigo opened the box, inside which were neatly arranged several crystals of various shapes, each containing pure energy—the very same Z-pure crystals that were currently lying in Nanyin's waist bag.

His long, slender fingers traced the crystals one by one. "Fairy, Psychic, Fighting... I think they might be able to better help you unleash the potential of your Pokémon." His gaze swept over the girls, a knowing look on his face.

He gently lifted the box and handed it to the two of them: "No need to refuse. To be honest, most of these are 'accidental finds' I made while exploring some ancient ruins in my spare time." He paused, a sigh flashing in his sharp eyes, typical of a mineral connoisseur, as if recalling a challenging adventure from the past. "For me, they're just ordinary collectibles, easily filled up after a few visits. But giving them to someone who truly knows how to use their power is how they make the most of their value."

I must say, he truly deserves to be called a mineral expert.

The subway moved smoothly, and the warm sunlight outside the window made the Z-crystal on the girl's fingertip appear even more translucent. She couldn't help but smile as she recalled Daigo's nonchalant tone when he talked about his unexpected gain, and the unquenchable passion for exploring ruins in his eyes.

Breaking free from her lingering thoughts, she returned to the peaceful and comfortable carriage. Beneath her was her lover's soft lap pillow, the rhythmic sound of the subway running in her ears, and the soft fur of Eevee lingered around her nose.

She couldn't help but relax and look at the owner of the lap pillow. As she could see, Korni was also looking at her intently, her clear blue eyes reflecting her own lazy image.

The girl's fingertips continued to gently weave through her hair, clumsy and awkward, yet giving her a tingling, numbing sensation that made her feel drowsy.

Are you getting used to it?

It's both an inquiry and a joke.

"I never knew combing someone's hair was so complicated. Nanyin must have had a really tough time before."

I let out a sigh, feeling the soft, silver hair flowing through my palm, and my heart was filled with a sense of being needed.

"Pfft, it's easy to tie your hair up in a ponytail, but once you put on your roller skating helmet, your hair will always get wet and heavy by the end of the day."

"Hmph, that was just a necessary image, and it's all from a long time ago."

The girl's cheeks flushed slightly, and a hint of annoyance welled up on her lips.

Even if it gets wet or dirty, Nan Yin, you'll still help me, right?

"nature."

With just this simple exchange, Korni's slight annoyance vanished, replaced by a sweet smile.

"Hmph, I knew it."

Picking up the morning newspaper placed to the side, the energetic girl's eyes widened after a few glances.

"Nanyin, look, look! The Eight Masters Tournament seems to be several months earlier than it used to be, which was held every four years!"

Following her friend's gaze, Nan Yin also glanced at the front page of the morning paper a few times.

The Eight Masters Tournament is held in the city of Palace Gate in Galar, earlier than usual in winter, during the pleasant autumn season.

Perhaps it was caused by the influence of Aeontana.

"Cornee, do you want to go? Do you want to participate?"

"Of course! Even if we lose in the end, we can always take this opportunity to challenge the champions. Of course, if we are matched before the qualifiers, Nan Yin, you can't go easy on me!"

Waving her little fists, Corinne's eyes already blazed with a familiar fighting spirit. She squeezed the morning newspaper so hard it rustled, as if the pages were her imaginary opponent.

So, it turns out that not giving up is a characteristic of her friend.

"Of course, I'll be waiting for you on the main stage."

The reason for their silence is simple: the gradually opening subway doors provide the explanation.

Pick up your luggage and take in the scenery.

After months of travel, encountering both new and old landscapes, they have returned to this warm and welcoming land.

They counted each building, floor by floor, until they found their own low-rise building, and then they started walking together.

Passersby hurried by; some were students, some were elderly, but most were hardworking figures struggling to make a living.

When the past and present overlapped, Nan Yin felt a sense of unfamiliarity for a brief moment.

Riding the subway home with the person she longs for beside her, listening to its whistling roar, she looks forward to every minute and second after returning to that house. The journey that once seemed long and distant suddenly feels so fast, as if it were just a blink of an eye.

She tilted her head to the side, and spontaneously, a smile curled her lips.

"Korne".

The call was very soft, barely audible.

"what happened?"

The girl lowered her head and whispered these words.

"I've remembered that wish."

"I'm the one who should say that, and you can't take it back!"

The girl's soft voice, like that of a bird, carried a blatant threat, and a stubborn determination to pursue him to the ends of the earth.

"...I'm looking forward to it."

Nan Yin smiled without saying a word, responding with pursed lips.

I also look forward to it, to the day when I can personally fulfill this wish.

Pushing open the door, accompanied by the gentle chime of wind chimes, the ladies stepped into the long-awaited little house.

"I am back!"

She tossed her suitcase aside carelessly, shuffled off her sneakers, and pounced on the sofa like a cat.

It's a large orange cat.

"You, slow down a bit."

Shaking her head helplessly, Nan Yin bent down and neatly stacked her leather shoes and her lover's sneakers together.

Chapter 278 Reencounter with Green and Desert City

"Desert City?"

As night fell, putting down her plans to write and write, Nan Yin took the tablet from her lover's hands and saw a landscape completely different from that of Miarei City.

The vast golden sand dunes undulate under the sunlight, white stone houses stand in layers, and a few skyscrapers stand alongside them. Ancient culture and modern prosperity seem to blend together in this town.

As harmonious as they are now, they have been back in Carlos for several days without informing their elders or boasting of their achievements, simply and quietly managing their own lives.

"Yes, Nanyin!"

Wearing fluffy pajamas and dragging fluffy cotton shoes, looking like a giant toy, Kernie leaped onto the sofa and approached without a care in the world.

"This is one of the few cities in Carlos that we haven't set foot in yet! I've heard that it not only has undeveloped ancient ruins, but also unique oasis markets where you can find many materials and items that you can't find in ordinary places."

The screen light illuminated her excited face. Her blonde hair was casually draped over her shoulders, with a few strands sticking up playfully. She had completely lost her usual dashing demeanor and was now just a picture of domestic carelessness.

"More importantly, the battle environment there is unique, with sandstorms being the norm. It's an excellent training ground for Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon, and that kid Kubrick should be able to get good training there too!"

Upon hearing this, Nan Yin's gaze lingered on the magnificent desert landscape. Desert City, the pearl of Carlos's inland region, was renowned for its harsh environment and long history. She had indeed marked it on her travel map, but had always missed it due to unforeseen circumstances.

Of course, besides the striking scenery, there was another reason that caught the girl's attention: the liberation of Super Mazinger Hoopa in the theatrical version of the series also took place here.

"Want to go?"

Glancing sideways at Kernie, Nan Yin's lips curled into a knowing smile. She knew this girl all too well; her eager eyes were completely undisguised.

"Hmm." She nodded slightly, her golden ponytail swaying playfully with the movement. "After all, I've always left for coastal cities before, and I haven't really experienced the vastness and challenge of the desert yet, and besides~"

She leaned closer to her friend, with a hint of coquetry in her voice.

"Aren't we just looking for a place to properly try out the 'pebbles' that Mr. Daigo gave us?"

"Don't worry, I didn't refuse. But going to an environment like the desert requires not only being wary of the dry climate, but also being well-prepared. Otherwise, you'll be waiting for the sandstorm to make your eyes sting."

Her voice, warmed by a recent bath, sounded even softer than usual.

"Yay! That's great!" the girl cheered, spinning around happily, the fluffy hem of her pajamas blooming like flower petals. She rushed over and gave Nan Yin a big hug, her fluffy slippers gently brushing against her friend's ankles.

Nan Yin was knocked back slightly by her bump, but she accepted the energetic hug with a mix of helplessness and indulgence, gently patting her back: "Don't get too excited, adjust your time difference first and get some rest."

“Of course I know, sunscreen, lip balm, large water bottle... a scarf and goggles to protect against sand, shoes suitable for walking on sand, oh, and I also need to prepare some moisturizing berry oil for Eevee, its little nose can't stand being too dry..." Korne counted on her fingers, carefully making arrangements, then as if remembering something, she curled up her legs and sank into the soft sofa, “But before that, Nanyin, you need to ‘recharge’ properly first.”

She emphasized the word "recharge," a mischievous smile playing on her lips, and gently poked Nan Yin's still slightly tired cheek with her fingertip.

The girl caught her mischievous fingers, and smiled helplessly: "Okay, Miss 'Charger'." She placed the tablet on the small table next to her, then tilted her chin down and buried it in her knees, like a hamster hugging its belly.

"Buy~"

Ibrahimovic lightly jumped onto the sofa, skillfully finding a gap between the two of them, and curled himself into a fluffy, warm ball.

Maya straightened the bedding for each of the small animals, urging them to rest early and have a good night's sleep, just like an elder sister.

Outside the window, the neon lights of Miarey City began to dim one by one, while the light from the Prism Tower in the distance pierced the night, casting a faint glow into the room and casting a hazy shadow. Inside, only a few warm yellow wall lamps were on, their soft light enough to see each other clearly without being glaring.

A lighthearted variety show was playing on the TV, the volume turned down low, creating a warm, white noise effect.

Korni stopped talking and simply nestled quietly beside Nan Yin, resting her head gently on her shoulder. She could feel the person beside her gradually slowing down their breathing; the warm, moist breath tickled her slightly, yet also gave her a strange sense of satisfaction—it was so good to be this person's haven.

Nan Yin tilted her head slightly, gently smoothing her friend's soft blonde hair with one hand. The yellow sand and blazing sun of the desert city still shimmered in the light and shadow of the screen, perhaps hinting at the danger posed by the demon god, but at this moment, she only wanted to indulge in this readily available warmth and tranquility.

The clarion call of the Eight Masters Tournament, the new adventure map, the challenge to the summit... all have temporarily receded into the background.

Now is the time for 'home'.

It is the time and effort that allows a weary body and mind to slowly recover in the familiar atmosphere.

It is a time spent in silent yet incredibly comforting companionship with your lover.

......

Legend has it that in ancient times, the Regigigas, the Column King, stood on the shoulders of the continent and forcibly split it in two, creating Carlos and Hoenn.

People feared the power of Regalia, so they enshrined it in temples and sealed it away using the power of Arceus. There is also a legend that Regalia was originally older, but was severely damaged by the creator god.

Even so, this fear was mostly in the form of awe. But there are few records of the other demon god, and even fewer descriptions of him as malevolent.

With her slender fingers tightly closing the ancient book, Nan Yin raised her eyebrows and looked out at the blue sky outside the car window.

"What's wrong, Nanyin? You've been looking so worried."

Perhaps noticing the worry in her lover's eyes, Korne asked.

"It's just a minor concern, but you can rest assured."

"Because, you and I are both here."

Yes, even if disaster were to strike again, they would deal with it all, just to restore peace to themselves.

At the end of that day, Rayquaza, though unwilling to let Deoxys enter Earth to find companions, had no choice but to accept the arrangement after Nan'in's kind reminder.